There’s just so much out there…..

“In my mind I’m goin’ to Carolina. Can’t you just see the sunshine. Can’t you just feel the moonshine. Ain’t it just like a friend of mine….”

Wait a minute…. I AM in Carolina – small towns – country roads – Bessemer City to be exact. Proud home of the Bessemer City High School Yellow Jackets and the Bessemer City Primary School Honey Bees.

City truck displaying their pride.

Downtown Bessemer City

Central Drug – since 1927

On this job Kevin has a guide provided by the utilities department who takes him out on an ATV Gator to check the gas lines. Since Kevin does not need Hank (the truck) for this job he has been all mine and we go exploring.

Fall colors ablaze

This is Fall in North Carolina

Fall colors are spectacular here. I take it all in as I drive these North Carolina foothills with no particular place to be and not sure where I will end up. I usually follow the signs to “historic uptown” and look for a Mom and Pop coffee shop.

Lily Beam, another coffee shop haunt in Shelby.

Inside the Copper Rock in Shelby. Next door to the laundromat – lucky me.

After a day of enjoyable wandering it’s time to pick up Kevin and we often stop by Angel’s – our go-to coffee shop in Bessemer City where as was walk in Angel says, “Welcome back. I just put on a fresh pot for you guys.”

Our home from across the lake

We’ve also really loved our campsite. Moss Lake is a beautiful place to stay as the pictures show. It’s like we’re on vacation but we still have the mundane every day things to take care of like laundry at the laundromat and washing the dogs. It was too cold for Kevin to do that outside but we lucked upon a self-service dog wash in Bessemer City. It’s just like a coin operated car wash except inside a little building. Shiloh and Pepper were very surprised to see this place.

Inside “Shakers”

What a great business idea

Whether it’s Cherryville, Shelby or Bessemer City everyone is so genuine and friendly – makes me think small town living may be the best way to live life.

Kings Mountain mural

Time well spent at the laundromat. Still working on the afghan. Half way through.

Country road

On the road again

I have truly enjoyed and embraced our time here in North Carolina and am surely not wanting to leave just yet but duty calls and we are headed back to Nashville at the end of this week. Kevin is needed there and will be training a new hire. I expect we’ll be there through Thanksgiving then onto the next assignment. We’re not sure where that will be but I’m pretty sure our time here in Carolina will be on our minds.